Montana in the summer is glorious! It’s the season of camping, barbecues, farmers markets, and art walks. When summer is in full swing in Montana, it’s time to get out and explore. Every region of our state has some beautiful things to see, so you’ll never have to go far from home to have an adventurous summer in Montana. Here are 14 places to visit in Montana in the summer.

1. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Cody Wellons / Flickr
Glacier might not be doable for everyone in Montana every summer, but it’s too perfect not to top the list. If you can work a trip into your schedule, go fall in love with its unparalleled beauty all over again. Learn more about Glacier National Park, and see why it's an epic place to spend your Montana summer vacation.
2. Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake, Montana, USA
stonecassie / Flickr
We’ve got some amazing lakes in Montana, but there’s something truly special about Flathead Lake in the summertime. Read more about the clearest lake in Montana, and then go visit it yourself.
3. Havre Beneath the Streets
Havre, MT 59501, USA
Pattys-photos / Flickr
Have you taken a tour of the remains of the city beneath Havre yet? If not, do yourself the favor of learning more about Montana’s history. So plan your visit to Montana’s coolest attraction today.
4. Tizer Gardens
38 Tizer Lake Rd, Jefferson City, MT 59638, USA
Tizer Gardens
Jefferson City’s beautiful botanical gardens are generally open daily, and they also host a few fun summer events like High Tea in the Garden and the Celebration of Herbs. Learn more about Tizer Gardens, and then plan your visit there.
5. Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Brett Whaley / Flickr
Our largest state park proves Eastern Montana can hold its own when it comes to natural beauty. Learn more about one of the best state parks in Montana, and then pencil in your next visit.
6. Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls, MT 59935, USA
Troy Smith / Flickr
Northwestern Montana is its own special kind of beautiful. Summer is the perfect time to visit the Kootenai Falls area. Be sure to check out the swinging bridge when you're there.
7. Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival
Main Street, Main St, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Julie / Flickr
Montana has dozens of summer festivals, but if you can only experience one, the annual Flathead Cherry Festival is the perfect pick. Hurry up and learn more about this Montana summertime tradition, and see why it's such an important part of enjoying Montana in the summer.

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8. Montana Fair in Billings
308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101, USA
MontanaFair
If you’re going to go to a fair this year, you might as well make it Montana’s largest. For the best summer in Montana, check out more on the fair, which usually takes place in August.
9. Bannack State Park
Bannack, MT 59725, USA
Tjflex2 / Flickr
Get back to where it all began this summer. Bannack was the site of the state’s first major gold discovery, and now it’s a great spot to visit, hike, picnic and camp. Start planning your visit to this unique state park in Montana.
10. Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake, MT, USA
Bitterroot / Flickr
Seeley Lake is the quintessential summer vacation spot for many Montanans, and for good reason. It’s beautiful. Be sure to check out this lakeside restaurant when you visit.
11. Whitefish City Beach
City Beach, 70 Lakeside Blvd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Matt Simon / Flickr
Whitefish Lake is another perfect summer pick, especially for those craving a white, sandy beach but who don’t have the time to drive to the ocean. The city beach has everything you need: a boat launch, canoe and paddle boat rentals, and swimming and picnic areas. Read more about one of the best places to visit in Montana in the summer, and then grab your swimsuit and head over to the City Beach.
12. Cooke City
Cooke City, MT, USA
Pattys-photos / Flickr
If you’re going to Yellowstone this summer, consider stopping in Cooke City for awhile. It’s located just a few miles from the northeast entrance, and it’s a nice, slow-paced town for tourists to relax in on their way to and from the park. When you visit, be sure to pop by one of the best general stores in Montana.
13. The Fort Peck Theatre
Fort Peck Theatre, 201 Missouri Ave, Fort Peck, MT 59223, USA
Fort Peck Summer Theater
The Fort Peck Theatre was built as a temporary structure in 1934. It’s still going strong with a summer season running from June through September. Read more about this haunted theater in Montana, and then pay it a visit during your Montana summer vacation.
14. Silver Bow Drive-In in Butte
Silver Bow Drive, Silver Bow Dr, San Antonio, TX 78242, USA
Silver Bow Drive-In
Spend an evening under the stars enjoying a movie on the big screen. Butte’s drive-in theater has been a summer favorite since 1977. So go check out this old-timey drive-in this summer.

Isn’t Montana in the summer just amazing?! What’s your favorite Montana summer spot? Will you visit any lakes?

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Montana in the summer

Jessica Bohl | July 21, 2022

What are some hidden summer spots in Montana?

There are some great hidden summer spots in Montana. For instance, be sure to check out Echo Lake near Bigfork. It is just as beautiful as Flathead Lake, but with less people. So for a quiet lake adventure, head there! For a quiet, charming town, head to Choteau. It has a sweet little village center and has plenty for visitors to do.

What are some things I should put on my Montana summer bucket list?

A Montana summer bucket list is not complete without spending the day at a lakeside beach. But there are also some other amazing things you will want to do, such as visiting a state park new to you, visiting a quirky Montana town, going on a train ride, and of course having some ice cream!

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